Diplomatic and Assemblies Affairs Officer

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING APPLICATION DEADLINE:  please note that the deadline for applications is indicated in local time as per the time zone of the applicant’s location.

This post is a limited-term fixed-term post.

1.     Organizational Context

a.    Organizational Setting

The position is located in the Diplomatic Engagement and Assemblies Affairs Division, Sector of the Director General. The Division is responsible for all engagements with the diplomatic community in Geneva through various avenues such as events and meetings, as well as oversee the administrative, logistical and other aspects of key meetings such as the WIPO General Assemblies.

b.    Purpose Statement

The incumbent facilitates and substantively supports constructive diplomatic and political engagement with WIPO Member States and other stakeholders.

c.    Reporting Lines

The incumbent works under the supervision of and reports directly to the Director, Diplomatic Engagement and Assemblies Affairs Division.

2.     Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will perform the following principal duties:

a.  Manage and coordinate arrangements relating to the organization of the principal committees and governing bodies of WIPO with representatives of WIPO stakeholders (Member States, NGOs and IGOs).

b.  Manage and coordinate with WIPO stakeholders on the preparation of the principal committees and governing bodies of WIPO, including the WIPO Assemblies and high-level meetings, identifying their needs and monitoring the level of service to be provided; schedule and secure facilities for side meetings, such as consultations, briefings and bilateral meetings, and coordinate with relevant WIPO support sectors for the provision of required services.

c.  Develop and maintain excellent relations, and act as focal point for WIPO Group Coordinators, other Member States' representatives and other strategic stakeholders and partners on procedural and technical questions relating to WIPO governing bodies and other official meetings. Substantively contribute to the development and implementation of sensitive or political communication strategies.

d.  Advise and support the Director in developing and executing a diplomatic outreach strategy to increase/strengthen Member States engagement. Ensure the maintenance of up-to-date records of diplomatic activities and negotiations. Provide timely advice to the Director on geopolitical developments.

e.  Provide strategic support to the Director in the preparation of the WIPO Assemblies. Prepare talking points and documentation relating to the agendas of the WIPO Assemblies. Provide on-site support to the Chair and Secretary.

f.   Prepare the yearly calendar of meetings of the principal committees and bodies of WIPO and of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Ensure the organization and scheduling of the regular coordination briefings related to these principal committees.

g.  Perform other related duties as required.

3.     Requirements

Education (Essential)

First-level university degree in international relations, social sciences, or a related field.

Experience (Essential)

At least six years of relevant professional experience, preferably in an international environment, in both meeting/conference and event organization, with a demonstrated sense of customer service.

Relevant professional experience servicing a governing body of the UN common system.

Relevant professional experience liaising and coordinating the work of political/regional Member States groups in the UN common system.

Experience (Desirable)

Experience in a multi-lateral setting.

Experience in managing and coordinating high-level meetings and public or diplomatic events.

Experience in providing protocol services to high-ranking officials in an international setting.

Language (Essential)

Excellent command of written and spoken English and of French.

Language (Desirable)

Knowledge of other official UN languages.

Job Related Competencies (Essential)

Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines and to effectively coordinate event-related activities associated with large-scale official events.

Ability to remain calm and self-controlled in difficult situations.

Ability to maintain high-level performance even when facing pressure.

Excellent skills in planning, coordination and delivery of services, with the ability to handle multiple concurrent projects and activities.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multicultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and diplomacy in the interactions with people of all levels, including government officials and foreign dignitaries.

Strong negotiation skills to effectively manage international relations and diplomatic processes.

Political judgment and ability to anticipate potential sensitivities.

Knowledge of accepted norms, rules and customs of international diplomatic protocol and country-specific protocol.

The candidate must keep abreast of international political developments and foreign policy decisions.

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

Strong customer and service focus, solution oriented.

Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.

Candidates must be customer-oriented and well presented.

4.     Organizational Competencies

1.    Communicating effectively.